Game-register.



No. 7|3,576. Patented Nov. Il, |902.

E. J. WELLS.

GAME REGISTER.

(Applicntion tiled May 24, 1901.)

(No Model.)

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ELMER J. WELLS, OF NAsI-IUA, IOWA, AssIGNOR OE ONE-HALF To GIDEON E.WOOD, OF NAsIIUA, IOWA.

GAM E-REGISTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 713,576, dated November11, 1902.

Application filed May 24,1901. Serial No. 61,779. (No model.)

This invention relates to registers, and is.

designed to provide an improved device of this character which isespecially adapted for zo use in connection with the game of pool orsimilar games in which a plurality of balls or movable objects are setup or grouped by an inclosing frame at the beginning of each game. It isfurthermore designed to provide I such a frame with a registering deviceto register each time the balls are set up and to plainly indicate thenumber of games played. Moreover, it has for its object to provide forautomatically actuating the register by the zo operation of setting upthe balls.

With these and other objects in view the present invention consists inthe combination and arrangement of parts, as will be hereinafter morefully described, shown in the accompanying drawings, and particularlypointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that changes inthe form, proportion, size, and minor details may be made within thescope ofthe claims without depart- 3o ing from the spirit or sacrificingany Of the advantages of the invention.

In the drawings, Figure l is a perspective view of an ordinarytriangular frame employed in connection with a pool-table for setting upthe balls and provided with the present game-register. Fig. 2 is anenlarged detail elevation of the register with the faceplate or casingremoved therefrom. Fig. 3 is a detail longitudinal sectional viewthereof.

4o Fig. l is a detail transverse sectional view taken on the line 4 4 ofFig. 3.

Like characters of reference designate corresponding parts in all of thefigures of the drawings.

To adequately illustrate the application and operation of the presentinvention, there has been illustrated in the drawings a trianguiar framel, suoli as commonly employed in connection with a pool-table forsetting up 5o or bunching the balls at the beginning of each game.

In carrying out the invention there is provided a tongue 2, mounted uponthe inner face Of one side ot the frame and formed by means of ametallic spring-plate, having one end iixedly secured to the frame, asat 3, and its opposite end portion bent or inclined outwardly from theframe, so that it may be forced backwardly against the adjacent side ofthe frame bythe balls when the latter are 6o being set up and for thepurpose of actuating the register by the backward movement of thetongue. It will of course be understood that the tongue is comparativelythin, so as not to interfere with the proper setting up of the balls andis also designed to spring Outwardly when the frame is removed from theballs, so as to be in position for again actuating the register when theballs are again set up for another game. 7c

The registering mechanism comprises a slidable plate 4:, mounted uponthe outer face of the same side of the frame to which the tongue isattached and adapted to slide longitudinally in opposite directionsthereon. A longitudinal slot extends throughout the intermediate portionof the plate and is for the reception of a guide-block 6, which isconnected to the frame by suitable fastenings 7, and has oppositelongitudinal flanges S, 8o that overlap the outer side of the plate, andthereby slidably hold the latter to the frame. The upper edge of theplate is provided with alongitudinal series of ratchet-teeth 9, and alongitudinal series of numbers l0 is pro- 85 vided upon the lowerportion of the outer face of the slidable plate and progressingregularly from zero at the right hand to any predetermined number at theopposite end of the series.

For adj ustably holding the slidable register-plate against accidentalmovement there is provided a ratchet device ll in the forln of aspring-dog arranged in operative relation with respect to theratchet-teeth of the slide. 95 As shown in the drawings, this dog isformed from a single length of spring-wire having one end bent into acatch-head for engagement with the ratchet-teeth and its opposite endbent into a lateral spur l2,which is driven Ioo into the frame, therebeing an intermediate loop or eye 13 for the reception of a fastening'14 set into the frame.

In order that the slidable number-plate may be actuated to slidelongitudinally by the inward movement of the tongue 2, the latter isprovided with a transverse finger 15, which works through a slot oropening 16, formed in the adjacent sideof the frame, so that the fingermay engage the ratchet-teeth of the slide, and thereby force the latterlongitudinally one step at a time. The inner actuating edge of thefinger is disposed at an angle to the teeth of the plate, so that intraveling across each tooth the latter is forced to yield tothe fingerwhereby the slide is moved. Moreover, the finger is verticallyelastical, so as to yield to the upward inclination of each tooth as theslide moves forwardly and also to snap downwardly after clearing thetooth when sprung outwardly from engagement therewith in order that theouter end of the linger may be in position to engage the lowermostportion of the next tooth. At the outer end of the finger there isprovided a hook 18, disposed at the front or outer edge thereof anddesigned to engage a vertical stop-pin 19, extending across the slot oropening in the frame, whereby the tongue is prevented from springing toofar away from the side of the frame.

For the protection of the movable parts of the register there isprovided a casing or faceplate 20, secured to the outer side of theframe bymeans of suitable fastenings, so as to inclose or house theslide and the ratchet device,there being an intermediate lateralextension of the casing, as indicated at 2l, for the reception of thefinger l5 when it moves inwardly across the plate and projects outwardlybeyond the same. An opening 22 is also formed in the casing, so as toexpose a single number on the slidable plate, thereby to indicate howmany gam es have been played.

To reset the slide after it has been moved to its limit in onedirection, there is provided a suitable key 23, which is designed to bein the possession of the attendant in charge of the game-table and alsoadapted to be inserted through a keyhole-slot 24 and into engagementwith a key-post 25, projected outwardly from the frame and located belowthe movable portion of the ratchet-dog, so that by turning the key intoengagement with the dog the latter may be lifted ont of engagement withthe teeth of the slidable plate, whereby the latter is freed and may bedropped back to its original position by bringing the frame into aVertical position.

As hereinbefore indicated, it is designed to lock the register at thecompletion of a predetermined number of games, and to carry out thispurpose the ratchet-teeth terminate short of what will be termed therear end of the slide, so as to form an upstanding stopshoulder26,(shown in Fig. 2,) against which the outer end of the finger 15 Willstrike Without any eect to move the plate. When the finger is inengagement with this lockingshoulder, the tongue 2 will be disposedsubstantially as in Figs. l and 3 or projected into the interior of theframe, whereby it will be impos ible to properly set up the balls, asthe tongije, which is now rigid, will interfere therewith. p

For convenience in manually' manipulating the register-actuating tongueor member 2, should it become necessary, there is provided a suitablefinger-piece 27, rising from the upper edge of the tongue and adjacentto its free end.

It will of course be understood that the numbers on the slide correspondto the ratchet-teeth, so that as the plate is fed lone step the nextsucceeding number will be brought opposite the opening in the casing, soas to be displayed therethrough.

Although a triangular frame has been shown, it is obvious that theregister may be applied to any form of frame, according to the game.Moreover, the device may be applied to any side of the frame and to anypart of the side; but it is preferred to locate the same as close aspossible to one corner of the frame, such location being governed by theform of the frame-t'. e., whether or not the corners of the frame areprovided with the rounded or concaved filling-blocks, as shown in Fig.1.

It is desired to call attention to the fact that the part2 forms ayieldable obstructing member for normally obstructing the capacity ofthe frame and is constructed toractuate the register mechanism by amovement from its obstructing position; also, that the part 15 isprojected externally of the frame during the register-actuating movementof the obstructing member, and the casing 21 houses the external path ofthe projected part so as to prevent access thereto to obstruct theregister-operating movement of the obstructing member.

Having thus described my invention, I claiml. Aframe for setting up themovable playing devices of a game, havinga game-register, which iscarried solely by and also forms a part of the frame. t

2. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, havinga game-register, and an actuating device therefor, which is constructedand arranged for operative engagement with the playing devices when thelatter are being set up.

8. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, havinga game-register, and an elastically-yieldable actuating device thereformounted upon the inner side of the frame and normally spaced awaytherefrom to lie in position for operative engagement with the playingdevices.

4. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, havingagame-register, which is carried solely thereby, and isalso constructedfor automatic operation by the manipulation of the frame during thesetting up of the playing devices.

5. A frame for setting up the movable play- IOO IIO

ing devices of a game, havinga game-register, which is carried solelythereby, and is constructed for operative contact with the playingdevices during the setting up thereof.

6. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, havinga gaine-register mounted upon the outer side thereof, and a yieldableregister-actuating device mounted upon the inner side of the frame foroperative engagement with the playing devices, and having a lateralregister-engaging projection, the frame having an opening for theslidable reception of the projection and to permit the lattercooperating with the register.

7. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, havinga game-register, comprisinga slidable number-plate mounted upon theouter side of the frame, a casing inclosing the slide and having anopening for the exposure of a single number at a time, and anelastically-yieldable plate-operating device mounted upon the inner sideof the frame and constructed for operative engagement with the playingdevices when being set up.

S. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of agame, having agame-register, comprising an adj ustably-movable numbered Slide, meansfor adjustably holding the slide against accidental movement, a tripdevice therefor, and a plate-operating device mounted upon the innerside of the frame and constructed for operative engagement with theplayingr device.

9. A frame for setting up the playing devices of a game having agame-register, com.- prising a numbered slide provided withratchet-teeth, a ratchet-dog in engagement with the teeth, and aslide-operating device yieldably mounted upon the inner side of theframe for engagement by the playing devices, and cooperating with theratchet-teeth of the slide to feed the latter with a step-by-stepmovement.

10. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, havinga game-register, comprising a numbered slide mounted upon the outer sideot' the frame, and having ratchetteeth upon one longitudinal edgethereof, a spring ratchet-dog mounted upon the frame and in engagementwith the ratchetteeth, and an elastically-yieldable slide-operatingdevice mounted upon the inner side of the frame for engagement with theplaying devices, and provided with a lateral projection cooperating withthe ratchet-teeth to feed the slide with a step-by-step movement, therebeing an opening formed through the frame for the accommodation of thelateral projection of the slide-operating device.

ll. A framefor setting up the movable playing devices of a gaine, havinga game-register, comprising a slidable plate mounted upon the outer sideof the frame and having an intermediate longitudinal slot, ratchet-teethupon one longitudinal edge, and a consecutive series of numbers at theopposite side of the slot, a guide-support passing through the slot andconnected to the frame, a spring ratchetdog upon the frame and inengagement with the ratchet-teeth, a slide-operating device mounted uponthe inner side of the frame, and having a lateral projection constructedfor cooperation with the ratchet-teeth to feed the plate with astep-by-step movement, there being an opening formed through the frameto accommodate the projection, a casing inclosing the slide and theratchet-dog, and provided with an opening to eXposea single linmber at atime, and a keyhole-slot adjacent to one side of the dog, a key-postprojecting outwardly from the frame and alined with the keyhole-slot,and a key for engagement with the post to trip the dog out of engagementwith the slide.

12. A frame for setting up the playing devices of a game, having agame-register, and an actuating device therefor, comprising aspring-tongue connected to the inner side of the frame and inclined awaytherefrom into the interior thereof for operative engagement with theplaying devices when being set up, the tongue also having an operativeengagement with the register.

13. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, havinga game-register mounted upon the outer side thereof, a springtonguehaving one end connected to the inner side of the frame and inclinedlaterally away from and into the interior thereof for engagement withthe playing devices when being set up, the free end portion ofthe tonguehaving a lateral projection constructed tor coperation with theregister, and having an outer terminal lateral shoulder,there being anopening in the frame for the accommodation of the projection, and astop-pin extending across the opening and cooperating with the shoulderto limit the movement ofthe tongue awayfrom the frame.

14. In combination with a pool-assembling guard or frame, a memberattached thereto, adapted to obs'truct its capacity, which is heldyieldably in obstructing position and is movable therefrom, combinedwith a registering mechanism mounted upon the guard and caused tooperate by the movement of the obstructing member away from obstructingpositiou.

l5. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, havinga registering mechanism, and a yieldable combined frameobstructing andregistering-actuating member adapted to obstruct the capacity of theframe, normallylying in obstructing position, and constructed to actuatethe register mechanism by a movement of the member from its normalobstructing position.

16. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a gameprovided with registering mechanism arranged to be automaticallyoperated in setting up the said playing devices, substantially asdescribed.

17. A framefor setting up the movable play- TOO IIO

IIS

ing devices of games, provided with game-reg- -istering mechanism andhaving actuating means normally projecting into the space Within theframe, whereby it is adapted to be operated by the playingdevices,substantially as described.

18. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, agame-register mounted on the frame, and a movable actuating devicenormally projecting into the space inclosed by the frame and arranged tomove outward to operate the game-register, .substantially as described.

19. A frame-for setting up the playing devices of a game, agame-register mounted on the frame and provided with characters forindicating the number of games, an actuating device for advancingtheslide, and means forengaging the slide to hold the same againstbackward movement, said means beingadapted to be disengaged from theslide to permit the latter to drop back by gravity when the frame isarranged in an upright position, slibstantiall y as described.

20. A frame for setting up the playing devices of a game, a registermounted on the frame and provided with a gravity-returnindicating-slide, and an actuating device for advancing the slide,substantially as described.

21. A frame for setting up the playing devices of a game, a registermounted on the frame and provided with a gravity-returnindicating-slide,an actuating device for advancing the slide, and meansfor engaging the slide to lock the same against backward movement, saidmeans being adapted to be disengaged from the slide, substantially asand for the purpose described.

22. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, agame-register mounted on the frame and provided with a slide havingratchet-teeth, and an actuating device normally projecting into thespace iuclosed by the frame and arranged to engage the ratchet-teeth toadvance the slide, substantially as described.

23. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, agame-register'mounted on the frame and provided with a movableindicating member having ratchet-teeth, and an actuating device arrangedto engage the ratchet-teeth to actuate the indicating member andnormally projecting into the space iuclosed by the frame, substantiallyas described.

24. Aframe forsetting up the movable playing devices of a game, agame-register mounted on the frame and having a movable indieatingmember provided with ratchet-teeth, an actuating device arranged toengage the ratchet-teeth to advance the movable member, and a dog alsoengaging the ratchet-teeth to lock the movable Vmember against backwardmovement, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own 1 have hereto afiixedmy signature l in the presence of two Witnesses.

ELMER J. WELLS.

Witnesses:

A. E. DYE, G. B. WOOD.

